Who can re-enter UAE after 6 months abroad?
If you leave the UAE and remain out of the country for more than six months, your residence visa may expire. Many expats or residents are confused about who is eligible to return to the UAE after being out of the country for 6 months, the documents needed, and who qualifies for the six-month exemption. With this guide, you will know the process, exemptions, and general tips for UAE residents.
If you want to be sure of the rules, you can always check the UAE Government Portal 
Who can re-enter UAE after 6 months abroad Application Process for Re-Entry
Who can re-enter the UAE after 6 months abroad?
If your residence visa has been inactive for more than six months, you can apply for re-entry in some cases.
Submit an Application:
Either you or your sponsor must submit a re-entry application through the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) portal.
Clear justification:
You must justify your actions to stay out of the country for a long time. Some justified reasons could be:
- You are far from Medical treatment
- You had educational obligations
- You had some employment obligations
- Family reasons
Wait for Approval:
Normally a couple of working days; this timeline may vary, but it should be done soon. Subsequently, when your application is approved, you may return to the UAE again without a cancelled visa.
You may apply directly via ICP Smart Services
Who can re-enter UAE after 6 months abroad Documents Needed for Re-Entry
If you are applying for re-entry into the UAE when you have been abroad for longer than six months, you will need to submit:
A copy of your valid passport
A copy of your UAE residence visa
Evidence of your reason for an extended stay (medical report, job letter, university letter, etc.)
A completed application on the ICP home affairs portal,
A payment receipt confirming the application fee has been paid,
Making sure all paperwork is completed will make the process go smoother and minimize your risk of being rejected.
Who is Excluded from the 6 Month Rule?
Who can re-enter the UAE after 6 months abroad? Not everyone is subject to the 6-month rule. The following groups are usually exempt from the six-month rule:
– Holders of a golden visa (and their dependents)
– UAE Students studying abroad
– Government employees abroad for the purpose of work
– Residents receiving medication treatment abroad, as proven by formal documentation
– Domestic workers accompanying Emirati families abroad.
This means that if you are one of these individuals, you can re-enter the UAE even after the 6 months have expired, and don’t have to submit a special request to do so.
Final Thoughts
It is important for every expat and resident to know who can re-enter the UAE after being away for six months. Even though the 6-month rule remains applicable to most visa holders, the UAE government has a lot of flexibility for genuine cases, students, and golden visa holders. If you are in this predicament, make sure you have all the documents required, apply through the ICP portal and always be aware of government announcements to prevent any travel headache.
There is a consistent value placed for residents and expats who want to be away for long period of time abroad, and with strong policies from UAE, it will continue to become easier for anyone trying to stay longer for whatever reason.
